Faults:

Rear track bar bushings (all).

Stabilizer bar end links (all).

Steering rack bushings and boots.

Frozen drum brake adjuster (rear).

New battery.

Front brake pads.

Timing belt and camshaft seals.

Spark plugs.

Front strut.

Tightened steering rack (front shimmy) (TSB).

Fixed leaking cooling system.

Transmission flush and replaced fluid.

Added manual locking hubs.

Replaced front tires.

Front end alignment.

General Comments:

This was a distressed $300 truck that supposedly had bad head gaskets. It turns out the cooling system was leaking.

It was poorly maintained by a smoker who needed nicotine more than a functional vehicle.

All the repairs were normal wear and tear items for this vehicle.

It has been off-roaded by me and has performed well so far. It has the optional LSD.

Could use the 5-speed.

It drives near-new now.

There are no leaks.

Faults:

Charcoal filter blew up - charcoal all throughout the engine.

Brake pad ejected - brakes went out while driving.

Transmission failed.

DEATH WOBBLES - common in this generation of Pathfinders, should be recalled, but has not been.

Bad gas mileage.

General Comments:

I loved this car... for a while. The first two years I owned it.

Gas mileage was never great. However, the handling in snow, and the ability to pack it full of camping gear or Ikea furniture was great.

However, at about the 175000 mile mark... things went downhill. FAST. To fix everything that has gone wrong with my vehicle, would cost thousands more than what it is worth (if it were in perfect condition). Gas mileage has dropped to about 10mpg, probably due to charcoal filter.

The transmission blowing was the last straw. I am going to have to ditch it - basically at a loss of what I paid for it. Not a good "older" car.

Faults:

- Resonator comes with a price tag of $500-700 including taxes (CAD).

- Brakes and rotor $400.00 labour + $600 parts.

It's a gas drinking monster. 100km/15L city.

Lacks torque, no power whatsoever when going up the hill.

Transmission overheated on steep climb at 100/km speed for 10 minutes at 4000 RPM. Got stuck on the summit of a mountain for 3 hours. Had to be towed back to the nearest town due this issue.

I was told by the mechanics that this is common with Pathfinders, and it's worst with Ford trucks (blowing a tranny).

General Comments:

Expect to pay a high price for maintenance.

When climbing a steep hill, don't rev over 3000 RPM.

Lots of room and cargo, big score here.

Faults:

The running boards are loose. The wheel wells needed to be repaired due to rust.

General Comments:

The Pathfinder has been a great choice for me. It's reliable. Excellent on winter roads (but make sure you keep it in 4WD whenever you're on ice).

Quiet ride. Handles well.

I did a lot of research on SUVs because I need one for my work and I'm glad I chose this Pathfinder.

You'll want to check the wheel wells of the one you're considering. My '98 model had rust problems. I had some body work done and it's like new.

Gas mileage is obviously more than the Camry was. About 30% more. But for me it's worth the safety on the highway winter roads.